UW-Madison Hosts In-Person Beef Quality Assurance Training

By Blake Jackson

UW-Madison’s Division of Extension, in partnership with the Wisconsin Beef Council, will host a series of limited in-person Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification meetings over the next few months.

Registration opens 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Farmers interested in attending can register online at https://tinyurl.com/2hr5karf or by calling the Wisconsin Beef Council at 1-800-728-2333.

Upcoming in-person sessions include:

• Nov. 11, 2025, | 1:00 pm - Bloomington Livestock Exchange, 9663 County Hwy A, Bloomington, WI. The session will begin once the sale concludes.
• Nov. 20, 2025, | 1:00 pm - Belmont Sale Barn, 26770 Sales Barn Ln, Belmont, WI, starting after the sale concludes.
• Feb. 16, 2025, | 6:30 pm - Eau Claire County Extension Office, 227 1st St West, Altoona, WI.

Farmers needing recertification have additional options. They can complete the certification online at BQA Beef Learning Center by logging into an existing account or creating a new one.

After selecting a course under BQA Foundational Courses Cow/Calf, Stocker/Backgrounder, or Feedyard participants can progress at their own pace, as the system tracks completion.

Another option for renewing certification is through Continuing Education (CE) credits. Farmers with a current BQA certification can earn three CE credits from courses such as BQA Transportation (2 credits), Biosecurity (1 credit), Foundations of Herd Health (1 credit), Principles of Stockmanship (1 credit), or Herd Health Management Practices (1 credit).

Completing three credits extends BQA certification by three years. For assistance with logging in or accessing courses, contact tvaassen@beeftips.com or call 608-833-7177.

BQA is more than a certification; it helps beef producers maximize value, promotes a positive public image, and strengthens consumer confidence. By following BQA best management practices, producers ensure their cattle are raised to the highest standards.

Research from the Beef Checkoff indicates that BQA education increases consumer trust in beef safety and animal welfare while enhancing perceptions of how cattle are raised for food.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-artistgndphotography